During the 2015 NBA Draft, Devin Booker thought he would wind up with the Miami Heat. Justise Winslow of Duke was chosen by the team at No. 10 over several multiple stars. Arguably one of the greatest players in the draft class, Booker went off the board after just three picks. He was then taken as the 13th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns.
Devin Booker recently acknowledged on the Backyard podcast that he believed the circumstances were there for him to sign with the Heat as a rookie in 2015. Before understanding he was headed to the Suns instead, Booker claims he was already looking for neighboring locations to reside.
Booker said, “Oh no, Miami is where I was hoping. Cause Miami was my best workout, then I remember Pat Riley came and did the interview, and he’s like, ‘We’re looking for a Klay Thompson-type player we need to up our shooting.’ I just shot 40 in college. I’m like, ‘Oh yeah.’ I’m looking at spots down there by the arena.’”
To put it briefly, Booker and Winslow’s careers were very different from one another. Devin Booker went on to lead the Phoenix Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993 and establish himself as the team’s future star. In his 598 Suns games, he averaged 24.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
Steve Kerr Highlights Devin Booker’s Versatility From Playing For Suns Star To Team USA
Devin Booker received much praise from Team USA head coach Steve Kerr as the squad prepares to compete for gold in Paris in 2024. The Golden State Warriors coach had his reasons for keeping the guard from the Suns in his starting lineup.
Kerr said, “He’s probably been the guy who’s been most adaptable to go from a different role in the NBA to a new one here. He’s such a big scorer in the league. But just like in Tokyo, he’s adapted to being an on-ball guy, ball mover, the offense clicks when he’s out there, and the defense is excellent. That’s why he’s started every game and seems to be good with any combination.”
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But in the end, Booker must lead the Suns to success. Devin Booker will have much to prove the following season, as he has only made one Finals appearance. The onus will be on him to lead the Suns to victory and ultimately produce a breakout postseason performance.
